Meanwhile, the captain was very popular at the feast, as everyone recognized him as the man who had saved Susan that day.
Even though he was a stranger, the townspeople showed him friendliness and welcome, and his glass never remained empty.
Everyone wanted to release the stress that had built up over time, and since it was a celebration anyway, they didn't need much of a reason to drink one glass after another.
By the time the event reached midnight, everyone had eaten their fill and gradually began to disperse, heading back to rest up for the next day's work.
Only a few people cleaning up were still moving around the square when they discovered the captain, drunk and lying under a table.
"Hey, wake up, it's time to go home."
The person patted the captain on the shoulder, startling him awake.
"AH!" The captain jerked upright, flailing his limbs and screaming, "Don't come any closer!"
The few people cleaning up were also startled by the captain's reaction.
